Dorothy Geoghegan

1948 - 2023

Dorothy Geoghegan
July 30, 1948 - December 18, 2023
Dorothy Geoghegan, who was born at St. Mary's Hospital in 1948 to Anne and Terence Geoghegan and died on December 18, 2023. Dorothy graduated from St. John's Grammar and High School and from Lone Mountain San Francisco College for Women. Upon graduation, she taught sixth grade at Mark Twain Elementary School. She taught for over 30 years in the San Francisco Unified School District, including several years as a second grade teacher, with her final years as a Reading Recovery Teacher at Ulloa Elementary School. Dorothy had lifelong friendships with many of her fellow teachers and other school employees.
Loving to travel, Dorothy travelled throughout the world, visiting every continent. She had at least 14 trips with Overseas Adventure Travel. She traveled to Turkey, Greece, the Czech Republic and almost all other countries in Europe. She was in Cairo during the Arab Spring. Dorothy also loved spending time hiking in the Sierras. She loved Yosemite National Park and spending time in Foresta with her sister, Betty's family. Dorothy had many backpacking trips with her brother-in-law, Emmett and her nephew, Terry.
Dorothy was an enthusiastic attendee of the arts in the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Opera and Symphony, Berkeley Repertory Theater, San Francisco MOMA and the De Young Museum, among many other venues. She loved music as well as good dining and California wines. She had many long-term and loyal friends, whose friendship she valued very much.
Dorothy Geoghegan was a longtime board member and supporter of Breast Cancer Action (BCA). As BCA emailed to its members upon her death, Dorothy was one of the most delightful people anyone could know. Dorothy's support of BCA goes back to the early '90s - she was a vibrant, loving, funny, and energetic activist.
Dorothy was an enthusiastic activist, supporting and volunteering for Democratic party candidates, pro-choice groups and international human rights organizations. She was a strong supporter of the ACLU of Northern California.
Dorothy is survived by her sister, Betty Smith; her sister-in-law, Judy Geoghegan; her nieces, Madelyne Smith and Elizabeth Smith; and several great-nieces and nephews, Travis, Chase and Cassie (Madelyne's children) and Hunter and Chloe (Elizabeth Smith's children); as well as her cousin, Joey Conway and his wife, Tish. Dorothy's former husband, Dick Grosboll, survives her. Dorothy was predeceased by her brother, Joe Geoghegan; her brother-in-law, Emmett Smith; and her nephew, Terry Smith.
Dorothy's family and friends thank and appreciate the care and comfort provided by the staff at Aegis Living Corte Madera, and in particular, her primary caretaker, Haseeba.
There will be a small family memorial service.
Donations may be made in Dorothy's memory to the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94111 and/or to Breast Cancer Action, 548 Market Street, PMB 17179, San Francisco, Calif. 94104.